Hidden in Plain Sight

252 Reviews

Star Travel Rating

3/5

Review type

Things to do

Date of travel

July, 2022

Product name

Lowestoft

Product country

United Kingdom

Product city

Lowestoft

Travelled with

Group

Reasons for trip

Culture/Sightseeing

Old cities and towns that have seen better days retain pockets of interest from past times. A street in Deptford, London, that seemed derelict decades ago has become a feature of gentrified dockland dwelling. Perhaps that awaits Lowestoft High Street now that the “Daily Telegraph” has claimed the town will knock Southwold off its perch.

Planners did their worst, after war damage and the demise of herring fishery, by driving a dual carriageway theough the central north-south axis. West of this axis are the stores like M&S that towns look to for success; east of it all is dowdy, barely relieved by some good restaurants and views over the cliffs and out to sea. In this area is High Street, where medieval merchants built town houses on proceeds from the fishing fleet. Behind dingy facades are high class carved timber features and the signs of great prosperity.

High Street curves at its northern end, following the cliffs below. Its is then interrupted by a minute grassed area, flattened by bombs. Beyond is Arnold House, once owned by the family related to Thomas Arnold, headmaster of Rugby School, and Mattew Arnold, poet of “Dover Beach”. Although not written there, it is easy to imagine the poem being inspired by the view from Arnold House, as the cliff path runs steeply down from a view of the sea to Whapload Road beside the beach. Along this road are the remains of “fish houses” where nets were dried and repaired and fish cured. Their future is now as industrial unitrs are refurbishment as homes.

The work done by the fishermen has now been taken by the Birds Eye factory that dominates much of the shoreline. This seems unlike to generate much employment as most of the work will be automated. Equally low in employment prospects are the wind turbines along the shore and out to sea. Prosperity will have been found by some, however, since an electric car charging facility is within sight of one turbine.

Another sign of prosperity (for some) is the quality of food at the former Blue Anchor pub at the southern end of High Street. Conversation there included the “Telegraph” feature. Enough said.

Our visit was to a different pub, though we did enjoy the Blue Anchor lunch. That had some of the most flamboyant carved timber we have seen. The pub is dated 1551, according to a bressumer. Presumably it, like the other High Street properties we visited, was spared by the fire that swept through Lowestoft in 1645. This must have been confined to the lower area, with High Street protected by the “scores”, tracks named after owners of the mercantile properties that gave access to and from the shore. The fish houses were all rebuilt after the fire.

Another house we visited had a tower frontage to High Street and domestic rooms behind. Business and storage were presumably conducted in the front areas. The garden here would have been multi-purpose, with storage near the house, fruit trees and market gardens with fish treatment and servicing lower down. Hare again carved timbers were a feature, as well as a spiral staircase making us of expensive (for this area) stone.

Presumable once a barn, an early seventeenth century building now serves as headquarters of Crown Street Motors. The timbers of the roof are well-maintained and double-pitched roof is clear to see.

It has to be hoped that the “Telegraph” feature will encourage people to visit Lowestoft and challenge Southwold. The town already has one unique feature: Ness Point is the most easterly place in England, although the sandy tints inshore show where people could once grow crops long before leisure interest took precedence and longshore drift threatened the east c.oast

John.Pelling

Join the club

Become a member to receive exclusive benefits

Our community is the heart of Silver Travel Advisor, we love nothing more than sharing ideas, inspiration, hints and tips between us.

Come feel the love on a Princess cruise. You’ll enjoy the MedallionClass experience others simply can’t, and it’s exclusively for everyone. Visit incredible destinations and be involved in the best experiences around each one of them.

Experience more with Princess and connect effortlessly with the world around you, spend time away with loved ones, take a moment for yourself, and fall in love with your holiday of a lifetime, every time.

With over 20 years of experience, Wendy Wu Tours has mastered the art of creating exceptional, fully inclusive tours which showcase the very best of each destination.

Each tour is led by a world-class guide, who will highlight the very best of their homeland, and includes authentic cultural experiences so you are not just seeing the sights, but truly immersing yourself in local life.

Say hello to ease at sea. Ambassador’s purpose is simple: they want to inspire every guest to experience authentic cruising, effortlessly and sustainably. Passionate about protecting our oceans and destinations, their ships comply with the highest industry emission standards and there is no single-use plastic on board.

On your voyage, you will receive the warmest of welcomes from the Ambassador community as you sail upon the friendliest ships afloat.

This is a global co-operative co-owned by local partners using real local experts and guides, which supports local communities, environments and wildlife. It offers travellers quirky places to stay, activity holidays and learning experiences. Not In The Guidebooks gets travellers off the beaten track into local culture with day experiences and longer, immersive adventures.

From wild wellness breaks in Wales to painting in Portugal, sustainable adventures in Mauritius to food safaris in Brazil, this is immersive, exciting travel.

Seabourn’s five intimate ships carry guests to the heart of great cities, exclusive yacht harbours and secluded coves around the world, while two new purpose-built expedition ships will combine exhilarating adventures in remote destinations with the sophisticated amenities of the world’s finest resorts at sea.

From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fine wines and spirits, and a no tipping policy, Seabourn exemplifies the definition of travelling well.